This Concrete Library on a Deserted Chinese Beach is Utterly Beautiful and So Creepy

As far as unapologetically concrete buildings go, this new library in the coastal region of Nandaihe, China is pretty spectacular. Just look at it. The tiered reading hall with wall-to-wall ocean views. The curvy ceilings juxtaposed with rectangular small openings of light. A bonafide crowd-less Zen. But wait a minute—is this a community institution or an (unusually splendid) ghost town?

Completed by Beijing-based studio Vector Architects, the Seashore Library is oddly built on a deserted beach. In addition to the two-story library and reading room, there is also a meditation space, activity room, and bar. This is how the architects describe their work:

When walking into the space, one starts to feel the light, breezes, and sound of the ocean. In here, everyone can slow down the usual pace, and unfold the feeling of distance and loneliness different from the city life. But what say you, Curbed readers?

· Vector Architects completes a seaside library with board-marked concrete walls [Dezeen]